Bush’s message on waterboarding

Re “Bush vetoes bill to ban waterboarding,” March 9

Waterboarding is banned by the Geneva Convention, which was signed by the U.S., a major sponsor. The Geneva Convention has the force of law here. President Bush has now unequivocally stated that he will not be bound by that law. This is clearly illegal, and it is treason.

In the past, it was said that this nation was a nation of laws, not of men. In other words, no man was above the law. Any citizen who supports the president in openly breaking this law clearly supports a dictatorship. If Congress fails to override this veto, we must admit that we are no longer a nation of laws. We must admit that this president, like any other dictator, is allowed to do as he pleases, no matter what the law states. We must admit that we are no longer a democracy. We are clearly at the crossroads of democracy and dictatorship, with the president advocating for dictatorship. Which way will the citizenry and its elected representatives choose to go?

Bruce Barnbaum

Granite Falls, Wash.

Many Japanese soldiers were convicted and executed after World War II for using waterboarding to interrogate Chinese prisoners of war. Why should American military interrogators be allowed to use it? It is cruel, inhumane and criminal. Its use may even provoke more terrorism against U.S. citizens.

Kenji Irie

Los Angeles